Median Income
$67,673
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.2%
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Start Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population941
Median Age50.1 yrs
Density267/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans1.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,673
Per Capita$37,588
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$857M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,600
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$160,723
Housing Units601
Rent Burden19.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property10,216/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking17.6%
Depression29.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain60.0 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation70 ft (21 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.2%
High School+77.8%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score3.88
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute30 min
Broadband72.8%
EV Stations7
Libraries3
Is Start a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Start receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Start offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Start is $67,673, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Start is $134,600, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Start is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,216 per 100,000, 421% above the national average.
Education
28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Start enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Start has a population of 941 with a density of 267 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 50.1 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%), with 4.8% Hispanic, 7.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 1.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.1yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Start is $67,673, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,588. The average weekly wage is $829, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 570 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,673 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,588 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $829 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,391 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 570 |
| County GDP | $857M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,012 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 8.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Start is $134,600, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,723, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 601 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,012 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,723 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 601 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,012 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.49% |
In Start, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.6% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 29.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,523. The dentist ratio is 1:2,203. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Start vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 29.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,523 |
| Dentists | 1:2,203 |
| Mental Health | 1:162 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,499/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
Start has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 10,216 per 100,000, 421% above the U.S. average. Overall, Start receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Start vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 10,216.4/100K |
| 421% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Start enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 60.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 70 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 66.6°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 267/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.4917°N, 91.8678°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Monroe Regional (MLU)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.0"
58% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 26, 2024.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Jan 27, 2024 |
4 km SSW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
1 km S of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jan 11, 2024 |
6 km SSW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
7 km SW of Hall Summit, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
5 km NNE of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 23, 2024 |
3 km N of Ringgold, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
8 km SSE of Doyline, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Apr 13, 2024 |
4 km NW of Edgefield, Louisiana |
M2.6 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 3 |
233 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
128 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
283 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
241 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
222 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
279 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
288 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 194 fatalities, 2,502 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF5 |
39 km |
47 |
| Dec 5, 1953 |
EF5 |
93 km |
38 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
90 km |
17 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
54 km |
10 |
| Apr 1, 1983 |
EF4 |
23 km |
2 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
83 km |
58 |
| Dec 13, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2005 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
34 km |
3 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,134 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,134 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
MOLLICY WARREN |
2,175 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
WINN 90 |
2,096 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,042 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
007 CORNEY LAKE BED |
1,716 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 90 |
1,605 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
WINN 85 86 87 |
1,593 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,469 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,389 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,373 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 3 PBURN |
1,305 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
WINN 83 |
1,285 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,255 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
COMPARTMENT 96 |
1,254 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
SHALLOW LAKE ROAD WEST 2 H |
1,146 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,093 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,077 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
BOULDIN HOUSE N 3F |
1,061 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,005 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Start has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 48°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Start. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $560 |
| Preschool | $560 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Start
What is the population of Start?
Start has a population of 941 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 267 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Start expensive to live in?
Start is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,673, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,600 (52% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Start safe?
Start is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,216 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Start receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Start?
Start enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Start?
The job market in Start is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $829. There are 570 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Start?
The median home value in Start is $134,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,723. The homeownership rate is 68.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,012.
How are the schools in Start?
Schools in Start have an average test score of 3.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 28.2% of adults in Start hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.8% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Start?
The obesity rate in Start is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 29.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,523.
What is transportation like in Start?
The average commute in Start is 30 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, 8.9% use public transit, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Start?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Start is 87.4% White, 7.2% Black or African American, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 1.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
